New rector is welcomed at Drumgooland

Church Wardens from Drumgooland and St. John's Parish Churches, including from left, William Owen (People's Warden) David McCullins (Rector's Warden), Sandra Parke, (Rectors Warden) and Ernest Wilson (Peoples Warden) attended the Institution of their new Rector the Reverend Gerald Macartney, who was accompanied by his wife Roberta. © Photo: Gary Gardiner. IN BL WK 2314-506.

The grouped Parishes of Drumgath, Drumballyroney, Clonduff and Drumgooland welcomed their new rector, following his institution on May 30, in Drumgooland Parish Church.

The preacher at the service was Canon Robert Boyd, rector of Killyman in the Diocese of Armagh.

Canon Boyd and Rev. Macartney are close friends as well as rectors of neighbouring parishes.

The new Rector of Drumgooland and St. John's Parish Churches the Reverend Gerald Macartney, was accompanied by his wife Roberta, to his Institution on Friday evening in Drumgooland Parish Church. © Photo: Gary Gardiner. IN BL WK 2314-507.

Gerald is married to Roberta and they have three children, Linda, Christopher and Victoria. They also have seven grandchildren, Ellen, Eddie, Zeke, Benjamin Jakob, Eli and Caleb.

Roberta, who is from Laurelvale outside Portadown worked for a local retail outlet, but now spends most of her time looking after her grandchildren.

On leaving school Gerald joined the Royal Air Force before returning home and working for the Civil Service. Ordination followed in 2003 and he served as a curate in Drumglass Parish, Dungannon before being appointed rector of Milltown Parish, both Diocese of Armagh, in 2005.

Speaking of his forthcoming ministry in Drumgath, Drumballyroney, Clonduff and Drumgooland Gerald said: “I am obviously looking forward to the new challenges and opportunities ahead but also sad at leaving the many friends Roberta and I have in Milltown Parish and we wish them God’s richest blessing for the future.”